Caroline Kennedy's name is being talked about for Clinton's senate seat.

(CNN) - Could Caroline Kennedy, considered to be among the most private members of the Kennedy clan, be tapped to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat?

Kennedy - who endorsed Barack Obama in February before the Super Tuesday round of primaries - is said to be considering the possibility, according to an ABC News report.

New York Gov. David Paterson, the man tasked with picking Hillary Clinton's successor, is remaining mum on the process, but a spokesman for Barack Obama issued a statement in the wake of rumors the president-elect is quietly lobbying Patterson to choose Kennedy.

"President-elect Obama has a very high regard for Caroline Kennedy," said Obama spokesman Stephanie Cutter. "But he has not spoken with Governor Paterson or Caroline Kennedy about the race, and has no involvement in this process."

Earlier, similar rumors circulated that former President Bill Clinton might be interested in the job, but the former president's office quickly released a statement saying he was not interested.

Caroline Kennedy's cousin, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was also discussed as a potential successor, but formally took his name out of the running earlier this week.

Paterson still has a strong bench to choose from. There are a number of contenders, including several members of New York's delegation in the House of Representatives, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.

Whoever is chosen would have to be ready for virtually non-stop campaigning and fundraising over the next four years. Clinton's successor will face a hotly-contested campaign in 2010 to fill out the remainder of her term, then a re-election bid jut two years later.

soundoff(386 Responses)

Soldier 4 OBAMA

With what she had to live through it would be fitting that she would replace Hillary and I am certain in 2016 she would become President if she chooses too! SHE DESERVED THE POST. A QUIET PROFESSIONAL, THAT IS WHAT SHE IS!

December 5, 2008 06:31 pm at 6:31 pm |

Lorna, NY

To all the bloggers who don't think she is qualified, why don't you run for office? She is more qualified than any of you. You might do some research on her before you make any comments! Geez, this country is full of IDIOTS!

December 5, 2008 06:39 pm at 6:39 pm |

Proud to be American

She has my vote.

December 5, 2008 06:44 pm at 6:44 pm |

3strikes

acorn may be able to help with a few names (eg., mickey mouse, abe lincoln, barney the purple dinosaur, eric cartman, stewie griffin would be great!!!)

December 5, 2008 06:51 pm at 6:51 pm |

chris

OK– I want to say something to those comparing the Kennedys to the Clintons....

Hillary Clinton worked for everything that she and Bill had. The Clinton "clan" is not the Kennedy/Bush clan. This isn't a legacy she was handed from Bill. His accomplishments were HER accomplishments. They got there together. If Chelsea suddenly gets into the act–I think she probably will–well, that's another story. File her with the Bushes (including HW BUSH, son of Prescott) and the Kennedys.

In Illinois, we have Richard J. Daley (son of M.); we have Atty Gen. Lisa Madigan (Daughter of House Speaker Mike Madigan); We have Todd Stroger (installed when his father John became incapcitated)...we're soon to have the son of the majority leader take his spot. People just kind of smile–sort of like the Caroline Kennedy supporters. It's so anti-democratic, I wonder what our forefathers would have thought.

Well, except for John Adams. I suspect he would approve!

December 5, 2008 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |

Truth Hurts

yea why not. One loon replaces another.

December 5, 2008 06:55 pm at 6:55 pm |

DE

I bet JFK is rolling over in his grave. Nowadays his policies and positions would be considered more conservative than Mike Huckabee's. There is no doubt he would support Sarah Palin's ideologies over daughter Caroline's any day of the week.

December 5, 2008 06:59 pm at 6:59 pm |

baljeet dakoo

Its payback time for obama, He is worst then a used car salesman.
caroline is not senate worthy. Obama will be a one term president.

December 5, 2008 07:02 pm at 7:02 pm |

democrat with a small "d"

I think Caroline would do a much better job than you-know-who has done. For one think she will listen to Uncle Ted who has some good ideas.

December 5, 2008 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama

What a horrible idea!

If she is appointed just because she is the daughter of John F. Kennedy, and that would be the only reason, then Gov. Patterson should be recalled, fired or impeached!

She has never held elected public office, and were it not for her family name wouldn't be considered at all qualified for the job.